Advanced Warning: LBTT Leases And Further Return Obligations

The Law Commission's second consultation paper examines whether the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954's security of tenure regime remains fit for purpose in today's commercial property market. With proposals ranging from streamlined contracting-out procedures to expanded redevelopment grounds that accommodate modern retrofit work, the consultation tests whether Part 2 of the Act has become too burdensome...

Boundary disputes are among the most common cases encountered by agricultural litigation teams. A boundary is a line separating property. It doesn’t always physically exist, yet disagreements over its position can turn neighbours against each other, and the cost of resolving such disputes can quickly exceed the value of the land itself.

The first reported decision on the 2018 reforms to Scotland's prescription rules has produced a surprising result for the construction industry and those dealing with latent defects claims.

The UK Government has announced the second phase of the Renters' Rights Act, introducing a mandatory Private Rented Sector Database that will roll out region-by-region starting in the West Midlands in December 2026. Landlords across England will face registration requirements, annual fees of £65 per property, and potential penalties of up to £40,000 for non-compliance, fundamentally changing how the private rental sector operates.

The decision by the Court of Appeal in Baqir Al-Chaalan & Anor v Abri Group Ltd [2026] EWCA Civ 946 has provided clarity on whether a landlord has validly served a residential tenant with notice of legal proceedings seeking vacant possession. In this blog, Katy Corteel discusses the Court of Appeal’s judgment.

The UK government has unveiled its comprehensive 10-year infrastructure strategy, setting out ambitious plans to transform the nation's critical infrastructure landscape. This strategic framework addresses key challenges in power supply, construction, and public-private partnerships, with particular focus on emerging sectors like data centres and modernising existing PFI contracts.

The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, Gillian Martin MSP, has written to the Rural Affairs Committee, providing an update on the phased implementation of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 (“the Act") and setting out indicative timescales for the next stages of the process.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has significantly increased local housing authorities’ powers relating to enforcement. There is no longer a discretion but a newfound duty on local housing authorities to actively enforce housing legislation in their area. A local housing authority may also take enforcement action in respect of offences which occur outside of its area, extending their powers beyond their own boundaries. This blog explores the key changes in local housing authorities’ powers under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

The Court of Appeal's recent decision in Thomas v. Nicholas provides critical guidance on how the locality principle operates within the tort of private nuisance under English law. This analysis examines the implications for real estate finance transactions, where a borrower's use of financed assets may be disrupted by neighbouring landowners or where the borrower's own activities create liability risks that affect asset value, liquidity, and lender security.

The UK government has released a substantially revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that introduces significant changes for infrastructure development, including expanded definitions of renewable energy, more permissive approaches for essential infrastructure in Green Belts, and new strategic planning requirements. The framework now expressly includes nuclear power, hydrogen, and even heat recovery from data centres within its renewable energy definition, while clarifying that wider environment

Explore critical updates in UK employment law affecting workplace rights, trade union access, and immigration compliance. These insights examine how recent legislative changes impact employer obligations, from expanded right-to-work verification requirements to new union workplace access provisions and evolving discrimination frameworks.

The UK government has unveiled its comprehensive 10-year infrastructure strategy, setting out ambitious plans to transform the nation's critical infrastructure landscape. This strategic framework addresses key challenges in power supply, construction, and public-private partnerships, with particular focus on emerging sectors like data centres and modernising existing PFI contracts.

Explore how the energy transition is reshaping investment landscapes, from sustained deal flow in renewable energy projects to evolving regulatory frameworks for heat networks. Discover the strategic shifts driving diversified portfolios and the legal considerations shaping compulsory purchase in the renewables sector.

The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, Gillian Martin MSP, has written to the Rural Affairs Committee, providing an update on the phased implementation of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 (“the Act") and setting out indicative timescales for the next stages of the process.

The most recent webinar in our Employment Rights Act 2025 series was on 'Trade unions – key changes and actions for employers' in which we discussed the new right for trade unions to access workplaces and the new duty on employers to provide workers with a statement of trade union rights.

Starting a family is an exciting time. There is much to think about for ‘parents to be’: baby names, timings of parental leave, the decoration plans for the nursery or bedroom, financial budgeting, reserving a nursery or school place.

The UK Government has accelerated the implementation timeline for new subscription contract laws under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, moving the enforcement date from Spring 2027 to January 2027. This change significantly reduces the preparation window for businesses offering subscription services, requiring urgent review of sign-up processes, renewal notifications, and cancellation systems to ensure compliance with the new consumer protection regime.

Cohabitation agreements are increasingly important legal tools for unmarried couples in Scotland, yet many misconceptions persist about their rights and protections. Recent developments in England and Wales regarding cohabitation reform raise important questions about what Scottish couples should understand about their legal position. These resources explore common myths about cohabitation and provide guidance on preparing for the future through proper legal agreements.

A successful charity depends on more than a powerful mission and consistent funding. Effective governance is equally as important in helping organisations navigate challenges and deliver lasting impact. The importance of effective governance is especially evident in the current climate. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) reported in July that 97% of organisations report facing challenges over the last six months. While every charity is different, the most successful charities increasingly resemble well-run businesses – and there are a number of governance principles that can help.

Understanding the complexities of inheritance tax on trusts can be challenging for practitioners navigating Scottish private client law. This practical guide demystifies the 10-year anniversary charge, providing essential insights into calculation methods, exemptions, and strategic planning considerations that trustees and advisors need to master.